Building on the success of last year’s event, the 2023 edition of the Custom Western Saddlemakers Expo featured more saddle entries and more trade stalls. Makers and stall-holders travelled from Queensland, interstate and even from New Zealand to attend at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds, over the first 3 days of September.

The Custom Western Saddlemakers Expo is the only event of its kind in Australia. It is a showcase of our country’s best saddlemakers and celebrates the skill and artistry of our leather craftsman. Proudly sponsored by Toowoomba Saddlery and we believe this event will only get bigger and better as time goes by. This year included a new Stock Saddle section, with the number of entries proving the addition to be a good choice for organisers. 

Unfortunately the Reata Ranch colt starting demonstration could not go ahead due to last minute illness.

The saddle competition took centre stage in the main pavilion. It was great to see such a high standard of craftsmanship, with plenty of careful hand-stitching and detailed leather carvings to admire. Judges assessed each entry on the materials and construction as well as the overall appearance. We saw saddle makers use contrasting leather colours and finishes to great effect. Detailed leather carvings also elevated craft to art, with themes of flowers, gumnuts and more to see, even a painted border made an appearance. Many of the saddles were fully kitted out for display with each one mounted on their maker’s own saddle stand and staged with cinches, catching ropes and other accessories.

It was not surprising to find that a number of entries were crafted using Hermann Oak® leather, a long-term favourite of many saddle makers.  All of them excellent examples of what can be achieved with quality leather and workmanship.  Any one not familiar with Hermann Oak® leather can find out more at: ozsaddle.com/brand/hermann-oak-leather/

While visitors and judges alike admired and critiqued entries for each category, craftsmen talked shop. One of the biggest benefits of the expo is the rare opportunity for people of the saddlemaking industry and associated services come together from near and far to talk in person, which they did at length by the trade stalls and outside the pavilion. Stallholders manned their displays, showing and selling their custom saddles and tack as well as leather, artisanal hardware, sewing machines, cowhides and even a taxidermy display.

In total, there were sixteen saddles and seven rawhide items on show, all vying for first place in their section. Awards were presented on Sunday morning by Toowoomba Saddlery’s very own Robert Delbridge. Prizes included over $3000 value worth of Hermann Oak® Leather vouchers, as well as plaques, ribbons, Bob berg trophy Buckles and more… Scroll down to see the winning entries for each section.

Thank you to judges Tony Gifford, Troy Welsh and Trevor Scott for your valuable time and insight, and to Trevor Able, for all the effort you have put into to make this event happen. All in all, the Custom Western Saddlemakers Expo has been an industry event worth attending. We look forward to seeing what next year’s expo will bring.

Anyone who wants to get involved can visit the Custom Western Saddlemakers Expo Facebook event page (opens in new tab) and contact Trevor Able.

UPDATE: The 2024 expo is now being held as part of the Australian Western Makers Expo. See their facebook page for further information.

What would you like to see at next year’s event?